Hatcher Pass, Reed Lakes Hike

Reed Lakes is a top notch hike located just an hour north of Anchorage. Whether you’re a Photographer or Hiker, this hike offers incredible high alpine terrain, and views that have kept me coming back here for years.

Hike details:

4.5 miles one way

1,850 foot elevation gain from trail head to upper Reed lake.

A solid pair of hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support are required for this hike.

Hiking poles good, but not required.

Varied terrain. Trail is very well established and in good condition generally speaking. First two miles is flat wide and maintained trail, from there you gain elevation quickly navigating boulders and at times slippery mud. It’s a good hike, take your time and it’s worth the rewards!

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About the Author

My name is Scott Slone. As a native Alaskan and filmmaker, I’ve always believed that the point of my work is to help people see more deeply into our landscape, and connect us more with the experiences and awaken the senses. Alaska HDTV was created from this deep passion I have for my land.

@Ian Incredible isn’t it – right here in your backyard my friend. Should be top of your list next summer!

Emily ParksOctober 14, 2010 at 12:02 PM

We’re planning our trip to Alaska July 2011 and Scott we are doing this hike. We are also taking another hike you suggested at Seward on Mt.Marathon. At Reed Lake you had bear spray on your backpack in the video, what is the bear activity like there?
THANKS!
EM EM

Tina FranklinOctober 14, 2010 at 7:45 PM

It was fun seeing you in the tent laughing! The amateur photographer that I am, I appreciated the Sixty One North photo tips very much. This was one of the best hikes you’ve filmed Scott, it’s wowee all the way. 🙂
pax Tina

@Emily North to Alaska are ya! The Reed Lakes hike is incredible, and so is Seward – I’d put Reed above all. Since you’re on holiday, the Reed Lakes trail is less crowded on weekends – not that it’s ever crowded, but having the lakes to yourself is grand!

Re: Bears. I’ve seen an increase of bear scat over the years in lower Hatcher Pass, but I’ve not encountered a bear. It’s better to have than not have bear spray ha! You can get a can at Sportsman Warehouse (cheapest), Fred Meyer, REI or the like.

Is it entertainment or introduction to a hike? Either way you have undoubtedly topped yourself again Scott! A question to your guest, what camera is he using, the photos were incredible!!! Does he sell prints?

@Tyler Hiking with us my friend is always entertaining! Thanks you for great feedback 🙂 As for the camera and prints – I’ll get David to chime in when he returns to town, he’s out shooting north this weekend. You can also reach him through his website http://www.sixtyonenorth.com

Hello Tyler –
Great to hear from you and I’m very happy that you enjoyed the show! It was a blast to film, and it is always great to work with Scott. Really inspirational guy, and lots of talent to boot.
ALWAYS, feel free to ask questions – I love this stuff! In fact, the major portion of my photography business is leading exclusive small group photo tour/workshops around Alaska. I call them AdvenTours:)
In this episode I was using a Canon 5D Mk 2, with a Canon 24-105 f/4 L IS lens on a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod with a Kirk BH-1 ball head. It’s my standard lightweight kit for backcountry landscape travel.
I do sell prints as well, in 3 different Editions (all are printed using the latest technology that assures long print life, under proper display condition, and excellent quality). The first is an “Open Edition” – this means they are signed but not numbered. They come unframed.
The next option is the “Contemporary Collection” – these are also signed but not numbered. They are printed on a professional large format ink jet printer and then laminated behind a piece of glossy plexiglass, with a strong backing behind the print. There is no need to frame these pieces further, as they come as a finished product.
The final option is the “Limited Edition” Collection – these are printed with the finest archival inkjet paper & pigment ink combinations. All are signed & numbered, with each edition limited to only 100 copies. They are highly collectible and can gain value quickly, especially once all copies have been sold. The Edition is then closed permanently, never to be printed in this format again. They come signed, numbered, and framed in a one of a kind frame design with a special collectors seal near the bottom of the print. They also come with a collectors certificate with a matching seal.
I’m still working out all the options and finalized pricing, but I’ll have those shortly. Please stop by my site or email me for more information! Thanks again.
Dave Taylor
SixtyoneNorth.com